Serbian President met on Monday afternoon with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini in Berlin.
Source: Tanjug
Close the entire text of the article here
(EPA-EFE, file)
Vucic and Mogherini discussed the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, where Mogherini is an intermediary, and the situation in the Western Balkans.
Vucic told Mogherini that Serbia was ready to, "as soon as tomorrow" to continue the dialogue - as soon that, is Pristina lifted their taxes on Serbian products.
"Whether that will happen is not in our hands," Vucic told reporters in Berlin.
He pointed out to Mogherini that it was about European values, and that the taxes were unsustainable.
He added that Mogherini also discussed bilateral issues such as Zelezara Smederevo and steel quotas.
"We will not allow our steelworks to be killed off due to different procedures," Vucic said.
He said that Serbia is committed to its European path and will continue to work on it.
He announced that he would later speak about the expectations from the afternoon summit on the West Berlin, but that he would not make a circus and in that was meet half way those who are seeking exclusivity and excitement.
We do not want conflicts, but preservation of stability and long-lasting peace, Vucic said, and pointed out that his expectations are not exaggerated, although, he said, they may surprise him.
His meeting with Mogherini lasted longer than planned.
Vucic says there are no big expectations from today's summit in Berlin, but that, unlike those who seek for sensationalism and exclusivity, Serbia does not want conflict, but preserving stability and lasting peace.
"I expect to exchange views in a serious and responsible manner," Vucic said and announced a broader comment after the summit.
"I could say a lot of things, but I will save that for tonight, I do not want to make any kind of political circus, I know that people are looking for some type of sensation, exclusivity, to may be create a new conflict, we do not want any conflicts, we want to preserve stability, long-term and long-lasting peace as the best, and the beginning of solving all those problems that hinder everything," Vucic told reporters in Berlin after meeting with Mogherini.
Whether we will succeed in this or not, my expectations are not too great, he says.
"I am not a great optimist, but I am not an optimist either by nature, it may be for the best. We may be surprised, maybe it will be something good, but I would not bet on it," concluded Vucic.
The meeting with European Commission representative Mogherini, the current Brussels dialogue facilitator, whose failure is precisely being put down to her, is an introduction to the afternoon summit, which will clearly be pressing Serbia now to give up any demand for a compromise solutions for Kosovo and Metohija, writes "Tanjug".
It is also clear that the Berlin summit, which has attracted great attention from the world's political and wider public, will be a "gloves-off meeting", where all actors involved in resolving the Kosovo problem will know exactly where they stand.
Vucic has already announced in advance that that he would, firstly to Mogherini, and then the participants of the summit, including the leaders of Germany and France, tell without hesitation what he thinks and expects from that gathering, but that the expectations of other participants, as far as both him and Serbia are concerned, are condemned to failure if everything is being reduced that Serbia recognizing Kosovo.
Pristina comes to the German capital with a list of demands and blackmail, determined to demonstrate the absence of any intention to reach agreement with Belgrade, except mutual recognition.
Aware of the intention of organizers of the meeting in Berlin to take over the solution of the Kosovo problem and bring it to an end in line with its position that Kosovo is independent and that there is no further negotiations there, President Vucic looks at Berlin as the place where the possible move forward might be to at least guarantee the preservation of stability and exclude the possibility of surprises in the shape of intrusions into the north of Kosovo and Metohija, using weapons.
Before the meeting in Berlin came the unofficial warning that Belgrade's and even Pristina's constructive attitude will be the condition for further European ingratiation.
The West Balkan six meeting with the French president and the German chancellor will take about two hours, after which a working dinner will follow.
Merkel and Macron will address the media before the summit begins.
Prime ministers of Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia, Serbia, representatives of the provisional authorities in Pristina, as well as the prime ministers of Croatia and Slovenia have been invited to the meeting.
The meeting, inviting Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and president of Pristina provisional administration Hashim Thaci, is planned to last about two hours.
The talks would then continue during a working dinner.
He said that Serbia is committed to its European path and will continue to work on it.
===…==
Why? Why are Serbian politicians taking Serbia into slavery? Are Serbs going to allow it?
Please, please take a look at what is happening to UK. They just can't free themselves from that monster. Once they have you, you are theirs for life.
Please pay attention to this man.
Everyone can write whatever they want here. I know one thing for sure. The albanians WILL BE very disappointed when this is over. They have zero to say when US decides for them. Zero.
Do not respond to me, wait and see instead!
(Staff, 30 April 2019 08:05)
@time
How dare you describe Mr Vucic and Ms Brnabic as "stalker" You are talking about The President and deputy of the country describing them that way. Quiet unbelievable.
(Ljiljana, 29 April 2019 22:32)
Mary you are correct in stating that China is switching production to Serbia because of cheaper labour. But its not only that. The thing is that many of the products made in Serbia will be sold on the European market, so transport costs will be considerably lower than getting these products from distant China.
This is how it goes on the world markets. We in the west have the same thing by outsourcing production to cheaper labour. China was a cheap labour market compared to western Europe. The Chinese have now raised the standards and incomes of their cotizens. And so will Serbia. But cant be done overnight.
It has to start somewhere, giving Serbs jobs (yes not great wages to start), but in tome 5/10 years the incomes will rise and standards will go up. But, I repeat, it has to start somewhere.
How the Kosovo population would love to have a secure job, and earn 300/350 euros per month. As it is currently there is very little/no work in Kosovo.
But good point Mary.
(VIEW FROM UK, 29 April 2019 22:13)
This Tuesday, the American Congress will hold a hearing on the 20th anniversary of the end of the Kosovo war, where Ilir Bytyci, Atifete Jahjaga and Vasfije Krasniqi-Goodman will testify about Serbian crimes in Kosovo.
Both US Ambassadors in Kosovo and Serbia have reacted after the letter initiated by the Speaker of the Parliament Veseli.
While the US Ambassador to Kosovo, Philip Kosnett, saw the support of Veseli in Meje of Gjakova on the 20th anniversary of the 372 massacred civilians committed by Serbs for the punishment of criminals, the US Ambassador to Serbia said that no one can deny the crimes Serbia committed in Kosovo during the war.
The initiative of the Speaker of the Parliament Kadri Veseli to send a letter with arguments for Serbian crimes has come on the 20th anniversary of the liberation of Kosovo and after the constant attempt by Serbian heads of state to deny the massacres and crimes committed by Serbia during the war in Kosovo.
(Reality, 29 April 2019 20:03)
You are certainly correct in stating China is a “Big Country”. What you don’t know is that the average yearly salary for China’s workers is $9000, which is more than 50% higher than that of the average Serbian worker’s salary. This is a major reason that China is farming out work to Serbia, cheap labor.
(Mary, 29 April 2019 19:23)
Does 'dialogue facilitator' Mogherini use butter or olive oil? The latter I bet, from FreshMed here in Brussels!
I don't understand why the Serbs bother spending more time than is strictly necessary with her. She does not make any decisions but a civil servant who does what is instructed of her. What a waste of time.
(EU Dude, 29 April 2019 18:33)
While Vucic and Brnabic have been stalking Mogherini on the hallways thinking that she could still help them, Kosova was having important consultations with our most powerful ally, the USA!
During the official visit to Berlin, today Kosovo's delegation held a meeting with US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell. The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Ramush Haradinaj, through a post on Facebook, stated that Ambassador Grenell has expressed Kosovo's commitment to the process of dialogue with Serbia, the consolidation of the country's negotiating team and the implementation of existing agreements, based on the laws and constitution of the country, stating further that Kosovo is ready for free trade with Serbia, as part of a resulting agreement mutual recognition.
"I also stressed that the country's government strongly opposes the idea of territorial exchange, calling it a dangerous option and destabilizing not only the country but also the region," Haradinaj stated.
Ambassador Grenell, according to Haradinaj, has explained the progress achieved in Kosovo in the area of rule of law and the commitment of Kosovo for good neighborly relations, always in partnership with our allies and our aspirations for the Euro-Atlantic path. "The role of the United States in the country's further political processes is indispensable!" writes Haradinaj.
(Time, 29 April 2019 17:53)
The titles of the articles on b92 are on "fire" today. They all cater to Serbia's wounded souls preparing them for the inevitable heartbreak.
(Time, 29 April 2019 17:29)
Over 110 countries recognize it as a reality, yet
Radical-Serbia has its state run outlets use Provisional
LMAO!
Radical-Serbia has a huge bone stuck in its throat and is terrified of swallowing, now that bone will have to be forcefully shoved down so we can all move on!!!
(Peter The Rocky Mountains, 29 April 2019 17:24)
EA....you seem very frustrated. From where I'm sitting its the Albanians who are the problem in the dialogue. The Albos have honoured not one agreement they signed up to. And the "platform" is nothing short of a pie in the sky wish list.
But Albos will not get recognition from Belgrade, neither from a host of big countries....China, Russia, Mexico, India, Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Israel, etc.
So, as long as your leadership keeps the taxes, you get nowhere. Namely no UN recognition, no Unesco or Interpol, no visa free travel, no investments/jobs, etc.
Tell us again how clever it is to keep the taxes...!!!
(VIEW FROM UK, 29 April 2019 16:53)
Great to see that everything is blowing up on Mogherini's face. Even her colleagues have spoken out about how her being biased has caused for this dialogue to be in this situation. According to some news outlets she wasn't even invited to this meeting, she went as a replacement for Mr. Juncker, the head of EU. Thankfully she is on the way out as she was failing on her position miserably.
(Rightly, 29 April 2019 16:06)
EA....you seem very frustrated. From where I'm sitting its the Albanians who are the problem in the dialogue. The Albos have honoured not one agreement they signed up to. And the "platform" is nothing short of a pie in the sky wish list.
But Albos will not get recognition from Belgrade, neither from a host of big countries....China, Russia, Mexico, India, Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Israel, etc.
So, as long as your leadership keeps the taxes, you get nowhere. Namely no UN recognition, no Unesco or Interpol, no visa free travel, no investments/jobs, etc.
Tell us again how clever it is to keep the taxes...!!!
(VIEW FROM UK, 29 April 2019 16:53)
Mary you are correct in stating that China is switching production to Serbia because of cheaper labour. But its not only that. The thing is that many of the products made in Serbia will be sold on the European market, so transport costs will be considerably lower than getting these products from distant China.
This is how it goes on the world markets. We in the west have the same thing by outsourcing production to cheaper labour. China was a cheap labour market compared to western Europe. The Chinese have now raised the standards and incomes of their cotizens. And so will Serbia. But cant be done overnight.
It has to start somewhere, giving Serbs jobs (yes not great wages to start), but in tome 5/10 years the incomes will rise and standards will go up. But, I repeat, it has to start somewhere.
How the Kosovo population would love to have a secure job, and earn 300/350 euros per month. As it is currently there is very little/no work in Kosovo.
But good point Mary.
(VIEW FROM UK, 29 April 2019 22:13)
Great to see that everything is blowing up on Mogherini's face. Even her colleagues have spoken out about how her being biased has caused for this dialogue to be in this situation. According to some news outlets she wasn't even invited to this meeting, she went as a replacement for Mr. Juncker, the head of EU. Thankfully she is on the way out as she was failing on her position miserably.
(Rightly, 29 April 2019 16:06)
@time
How dare you describe Mr Vucic and Ms Brnabic as "stalker" You are talking about The President and deputy of the country describing them that way. Quiet unbelievable.
(Ljiljana, 29 April 2019 22:32)
Over 110 countries recognize it as a reality, yet
Radical-Serbia has its state run outlets use Provisional
LMAO!
Radical-Serbia has a huge bone stuck in its throat and is terrified of swallowing, now that bone will have to be forcefully shoved down so we can all move on!!!
(Peter The Rocky Mountains, 29 April 2019 17:24)
Everyone can write whatever they want here. I know one thing for sure. The albanians WILL BE very disappointed when this is over. They have zero to say when US decides for them. Zero.
Do not respond to me, wait and see instead!
(Staff, 30 April 2019 08:05)
The titles of the articles on b92 are on "fire" today. They all cater to Serbia's wounded souls preparing them for the inevitable heartbreak.
(Time, 29 April 2019 17:29)
Does 'dialogue facilitator' Mogherini use butter or olive oil? The latter I bet, from FreshMed here in Brussels!
I don't understand why the Serbs bother spending more time than is strictly necessary with her. She does not make any decisions but a civil servant who does what is instructed of her. What a waste of time.
(EU Dude, 29 April 2019 18:33)
While Vucic and Brnabic have been stalking Mogherini on the hallways thinking that she could still help them, Kosova was having important consultations with our most powerful ally, the USA!
During the official visit to Berlin, today Kosovo's delegation held a meeting with US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell. The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Ramush Haradinaj, through a post on Facebook, stated that Ambassador Grenell has expressed Kosovo's commitment to the process of dialogue with Serbia, the consolidation of the country's negotiating team and the implementation of existing agreements, based on the laws and constitution of the country, stating further that Kosovo is ready for free trade with Serbia, as part of a resulting agreement mutual recognition.
"I also stressed that the country's government strongly opposes the idea of territorial exchange, calling it a dangerous option and destabilizing not only the country but also the region," Haradinaj stated.
Ambassador Grenell, according to Haradinaj, has explained the progress achieved in Kosovo in the area of rule of law and the commitment of Kosovo for good neighborly relations, always in partnership with our allies and our aspirations for the Euro-Atlantic path. "The role of the United States in the country's further political processes is indispensable!" writes Haradinaj.
(Time, 29 April 2019 17:53)
This Tuesday, the American Congress will hold a hearing on the 20th anniversary of the end of the Kosovo war, where Ilir Bytyci, Atifete Jahjaga and Vasfije Krasniqi-Goodman will testify about Serbian crimes in Kosovo.
Both US Ambassadors in Kosovo and Serbia have reacted after the letter initiated by the Speaker of the Parliament Veseli.
While the US Ambassador to Kosovo, Philip Kosnett, saw the support of Veseli in Meje of Gjakova on the 20th anniversary of the 372 massacred civilians committed by Serbs for the punishment of criminals, the US Ambassador to Serbia said that no one can deny the crimes Serbia committed in Kosovo during the war.
The initiative of the Speaker of the Parliament Kadri Veseli to send a letter with arguments for Serbian crimes has come on the 20th anniversary of the liberation of Kosovo and after the constant attempt by Serbian heads of state to deny the massacres and crimes committed by Serbia during the war in Kosovo.
(Reality, 29 April 2019 20:03)
He said that Serbia is committed to its European path and will continue to work on it.
===…==
Why? Why are Serbian politicians taking Serbia into slavery? Are Serbs going to allow it?
Please, please take a look at what is happening to UK. They just can't free themselves from that monster. Once they have you, you are theirs for life.
Please pay attention to this man.
You are certainly correct in stating China is a “Big Country”. What you don’t know is that the average yearly salary for China’s workers is $9000, which is more than 50% higher than that of the average Serbian worker’s salary. This is a major reason that China is farming out work to Serbia, cheap labor.
(Mary, 29 April 2019 19:23)
Over 110 countries recognize it as a reality, yet
Radical-Serbia has its state run outlets use Provisional
LMAO!
Radical-Serbia has a huge bone stuck in its throat and is terrified of swallowing, now that bone will have to be forcefully shoved down so we can all move on!!!
(Peter The Rocky Mountains, 29 April 2019 17:24)
While Vucic and Brnabic have been stalking Mogherini on the hallways thinking that she could still help them, Kosova was having important consultations with our most powerful ally, the USA!
During the official visit to Berlin, today Kosovo's delegation held a meeting with US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell. The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Ramush Haradinaj, through a post on Facebook, stated that Ambassador Grenell has expressed Kosovo's commitment to the process of dialogue with Serbia, the consolidation of the country's negotiating team and the implementation of existing agreements, based on the laws and constitution of the country, stating further that Kosovo is ready for free trade with Serbia, as part of a resulting agreement mutual recognition.
"I also stressed that the country's government strongly opposes the idea of territorial exchange, calling it a dangerous option and destabilizing not only the country but also the region," Haradinaj stated.
Ambassador Grenell, according to Haradinaj, has explained the progress achieved in Kosovo in the area of rule of law and the commitment of Kosovo for good neighborly relations, always in partnership with our allies and our aspirations for the Euro-Atlantic path. "The role of the United States in the country's further political processes is indispensable!" writes Haradinaj.
(Time, 29 April 2019 17:53)
Great to see that everything is blowing up on Mogherini's face. Even her colleagues have spoken out about how her being biased has caused for this dialogue to be in this situation. According to some news outlets she wasn't even invited to this meeting, she went as a replacement for Mr. Juncker, the head of EU. Thankfully she is on the way out as she was failing on her position miserably.
(Rightly, 29 April 2019 16:06)
This Tuesday, the American Congress will hold a hearing on the 20th anniversary of the end of the Kosovo war, where Ilir Bytyci, Atifete Jahjaga and Vasfije Krasniqi-Goodman will testify about Serbian crimes in Kosovo.
Both US Ambassadors in Kosovo and Serbia have reacted after the letter initiated by the Speaker of the Parliament Veseli.
While the US Ambassador to Kosovo, Philip Kosnett, saw the support of Veseli in Meje of Gjakova on the 20th anniversary of the 372 massacred civilians committed by Serbs for the punishment of criminals, the US Ambassador to Serbia said that no one can deny the crimes Serbia committed in Kosovo during the war.
The initiative of the Speaker of the Parliament Kadri Veseli to send a letter with arguments for Serbian crimes has come on the 20th anniversary of the liberation of Kosovo and after the constant attempt by Serbian heads of state to deny the massacres and crimes committed by Serbia during the war in Kosovo.
(Reality, 29 April 2019 20:03)
The titles of the articles on b92 are on "fire" today. They all cater to Serbia's wounded souls preparing them for the inevitable heartbreak.
(Time, 29 April 2019 17:29)
EA....you seem very frustrated. From where I'm sitting its the Albanians who are the problem in the dialogue. The Albos have honoured not one agreement they signed up to. And the "platform" is nothing short of a pie in the sky wish list.
But Albos will not get recognition from Belgrade, neither from a host of big countries....China, Russia, Mexico, India, Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Israel, etc.
So, as long as your leadership keeps the taxes, you get nowhere. Namely no UN recognition, no Unesco or Interpol, no visa free travel, no investments/jobs, etc.
Tell us again how clever it is to keep the taxes...!!!
(VIEW FROM UK, 29 April 2019 16:53)
You are certainly correct in stating China is a “Big Country”. What you don’t know is that the average yearly salary for China’s workers is $9000, which is more than 50% higher than that of the average Serbian worker’s salary. This is a major reason that China is farming out work to Serbia, cheap labor.
(Mary, 29 April 2019 19:23)
@time
How dare you describe Mr Vucic and Ms Brnabic as "stalker" You are talking about The President and deputy of the country describing them that way. Quiet unbelievable.
(Ljiljana, 29 April 2019 22:32)
Mary you are correct in stating that China is switching production to Serbia because of cheaper labour. But its not only that. The thing is that many of the products made in Serbia will be sold on the European market, so transport costs will be considerably lower than getting these products from distant China.
This is how it goes on the world markets. We in the west have the same thing by outsourcing production to cheaper labour. China was a cheap labour market compared to western Europe. The Chinese have now raised the standards and incomes of their cotizens. And so will Serbia. But cant be done overnight.
It has to start somewhere, giving Serbs jobs (yes not great wages to start), but in tome 5/10 years the incomes will rise and standards will go up. But, I repeat, it has to start somewhere.
How the Kosovo population would love to have a secure job, and earn 300/350 euros per month. As it is currently there is very little/no work in Kosovo.
But good point Mary.
(VIEW FROM UK, 29 April 2019 22:13)
Everyone can write whatever they want here. I know one thing for sure. The albanians WILL BE very disappointed when this is over. They have zero to say when US decides for them. Zero.
Do not respond to me, wait and see instead!
(Staff, 30 April 2019 08:05)
Does 'dialogue facilitator' Mogherini use butter or olive oil? The latter I bet, from FreshMed here in Brussels!
I don't understand why the Serbs bother spending more time than is strictly necessary with her. She does not make any decisions but a civil servant who does what is instructed of her. What a waste of time.
(EU Dude, 29 April 2019 18:33)
He said that Serbia is committed to its European path and will continue to work on it.
===…==
Why? Why are Serbian politicians taking Serbia into slavery? Are Serbs going to allow it?
Please, please take a look at what is happening to UK. They just can't free themselves from that monster. Once they have you, you are theirs for life.
Please pay attention to this man.